As first-year university students prepare to enter the world of lectures, assignments and instant noodles, second-year CQUniversity student Phillip Wright is offering some advice.

Phillip is one of seven 2009 Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity Scholarship recipients and said the assistance and extra opportunities provided by the scholarship are helping him make the most of his university experience.

Scholarship holder Phillip Wright helps judge the 2009 Mackay Opti-Minds challenge

"The scholarship has been fantastic for me - it's really helped take away some of the day to day pressures of supporting myself so I can focus on my studies," said Phillip, who is undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op) Diploma of Professional Practice degree majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

"It's also given me some great opportunities that have helped enrich my first year at uni.

"Last year I joined 6 other scholarship recipients on a tour of Hail Creek Mine, where we saw the haul trucks and dozers operating in the pit, visited the maintenance workshop and saw where the coal is washed before being railed off to port.

"I also helped judge the 2009 Mackay Opti-Minds challenge, which is a program supported by the Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund, and volunteered at the mine's Road Safe September Rest Stop."

This year, there are another 7Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity Scholarships up for grabs, which provide $4000 over 2 years to students studying science, engineering, business, nursing and information technology at the Mackay campus.

Hail Creek Mine general manager operations Andrew Woodley said the scholarship program is part of a broader partnership between the mine and CQUniversity to help build local capacity.

"Hail Creek Mine is very much a part of the Mackay community, and we regard our people as our greatest asset," Mr Woodley said.

"Recent skills shortages are a reminder that in order for our region to have a pool of capable workers tomorrow, we need to invest in local people today and ensure we build a strong, sustainable future.

"This applies not only to the mining industry, but across areas where skills shortage are common, such as nursing and IT.

"I hope eligible first-year students consider applying for the Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity scholarship, as we're certainly keen to get to know and support Mackay's future workforce."

As well as the scholarship program, the Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity partnership includes on-site work experience opportunities for students through the Future Professionals program and the chance for Hail Creek Mine employees to do part-time university study as well as volunteer as guest lecturers in their field.

Applications for Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity Scholarships have been extended until Monday, February 8. To download an application form, go to www.cqu.edu.au/scholarships . Please contact Marie Cameron at Hail Creek Mine with any questions by calling 07 4951 6400.